Nigerian Muslims are facing a costly Eid al-Adha this year as the prices of rams and other essential household and food items have significantly surged.
According to some sellers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), this increase is primarily due to border closures and the high cost of transportation.
Buyers, however, are attributing the slow pace of purchases to the government’s delay in salary payments.
A visit by a Persecondnews correspondent to Abuja’s Wuye Ram Market on Tuesday revealed that many families are struggling to afford rams for the upcoming Eid al-Adha, leading to a noticeable decline in purchases.
Muhammed Hamza, Chairman of the Wuye Market Ram Sellers Association, stated that this year’s market is unprecedented, with prices rising substantially and impacting both trade and traditional celebrations.
Hamza highlighted the significant price hike, noting that rams sold for ₦250,000 last year are now going for ₦350,000.
“The prized Sudan Rams have jumped from N400,000 to a staggering N600,000, while the medium-sized rams have risen from N350,000 to N450,000,” he told Persecondnews.
The Chairman of Wuye Market Ram Sellers Association lamented the skyrocketing cost of transporting rams from Katsina to Abuja, attributing it primarily to the recent fuel price hike.
Noting that the increase has significantly inflated their operating expenses, he warned that if the current prices are not fixed, they are likely to climb further as Eid al-Adha celebrations draw closer.
Another trader, Danlami Aminu, echoed these concerns, describing sales this year as “unusually slow.”
He noted that many potential customers are simply inquiring about prices but then leaving without buying.
“It’s become quite disheartening, to be honest. Potential buyers come, inspect the rams, get a price, and then just vanish. Sometimes, you are tempted not to even bother responding, knowing they are not serious.”
However, Aminu empathized with the buyers, saying:”I don’t blame them, really. The economic pinch is being felt by everyone, and it’s no secret people are struggling to make ends meet. Stealing to buy a ram is hardly an option anyone would consider.”
He pointed out the quiet market, observing that while some people do window-shopping, very few are actually making purchases.
Aminu attributed the significant increase in ram prices to the strained relations between Nigeria and Niger.
He explained that the military coup in Niger and subsequent ECOWAS sanctions have disrupted the flow of goods, leading to either a complete halt in imports or substantial price hikes for items from Niger.
The financial strain is palpable among buyers, with some appealing to affluent Nigerians for assistance for those struggling to afford a ram this year.
Muhammed Abdulaziz, a buyer, admitted he wouldn’t have been able to afford a ram if he hadn’t been diligently saving.
He revealed that a Sudan Ram he bought for ₦380,000 last year now costs a staggering ₦600,000.
Abdulaziz confessed he might have skipped buying a ram personally this year due to the hefty price, but felt compelled to purchase one as four family members were counting on him for meat during the celebrations.
He appealed to wealthier Nigerians to help the poor and needy in their communities by donating meat.
Also speaking with Persecondnews, another buyer, Aminu Ashafa, blamed the sluggish sales on the government’s delay in paying salaries, noting that financial uncertainty has made people more cautious about splurging on rams.
“It’s quite absurd, really,” he lamented, adding, “Some government workers are still waiting for their May salary, and those who have been paid haven’t received their full amount.
“How are people expected to afford a ram under these circumstances?”
Ashafea considered himself fortunate, as his younger brother bought two rams and gave him one, urging the government to prioritize full salary payments to ensure people can properly celebrate.
He further highlighted the broader challenges: “We are not just talking about buying a ram; Muslims are expected to travel home with their families for the celebrations.
“With the current travel costs and outstanding salaries, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for people to make ends meet.”
Leave a comment